Cannes Series gears up for launch with ex-iTunes exec hire

Cannes Series has hired artistic director Albin Lewi to bring the newly proposed event to life in 2018.

Debuting on April 4, 2018, alongside MIPTV, the festival will include an international competition with a jury, who will hand out awards at a ceremony. The first jury members will be announced at a press conference on October 16, during MIPCOM.

Lewi will be in charge of the competition selection as well as selecting an international jury. He most recently spearheaded iTunes’ editorial TV and movie platform in Europe, including France.

The festival, which will celebrate scripted programming, was named by Fleur Pellerin at MIPTV earlier this year. It is being viewed by industry commentators as an attempt to replicate the Cannes Film Festival, adding glamour and big ticket events to the existing MIPTV period.

The festival will also include a programming section open to the public including free screenings, master classes and panel discussions, taking place at venues throughout the city of Cannes.

“Cannes Series aims at becoming the worldwide anchor event for series,” said Pellerin. “I trust that Albin Lewi, our new artistic director, will put all his talent and passion to deliver a great selection for the first edition in 2018.”

The event has backing from MIPTV organiser Reed MIDEM and Canal+.